Truck drivers and container drayage carriers are being given more time to comply with some of the paperwork requirements that are part of the final rule issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration concerning the inspection, repair, and maintenance of intermodal equipment, especially container chassis. The rule took effect June 30.
FMCSA is extending the effective date to June 30, 2011 for the part of the rule that requires drivers and motor carriers to prepare a driver-vehicle inspection report (DVIR) on a chassis or other piece of intermodal equipment even if no damage, defects, or deficiencies are discovered by, or reported to, the driver.
This action is being taken to provide the Agency with sufficient time to address, through a notice-and-comment rulemaking proceeding, an issue raised in a petition for rulemaking submitted on March 31, 2010, by the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association (OCEMA) and the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) (also referred to as “the petitioners”).
The requirements for intermodal equipment providers (IEPs) to have in place inspection, repair, and maintenance programs, and a process for receiving and taking appropriate action in response to DVIRs on which damage, defects, or deficiencies are reported remain in effect.